What oil for the companionway hatch boards?

[PHerzfeld]

Hi all,

The hatch boards for the companionway on our boat (hull #55) are in serious need of some restorative oil. They're very dried out. Can anyone recommend what type/brand of oil to use and how often to keep them looking good?

[wolfe10]

We varnished ours-- Captains Varnish. Look great and protect the wood from drying out/cracking.

Brett

[sailorbob]

We are firm believers in Sikkens. We've used that on our hatchboards, and for many years on the teak on the 350's predecessor, a Catalina 30.

Preparation is very important, so if your boards are in bad shape now, I would suggest a good scrubbing with on the teak cleaners, then let the boards dry out thoroughly and go apply 2-3 coats of Sikkens. Once that's done, you should not need to touch them again for the season, maybe two seasons. And then when you do treat them again, just a thorough cleaning and a light sanding will be all the prep needed, in our experience. As much as loved the look of our teak on the 30, it was a lot of work, so we appreciate how little exterior teak there is on the 350.

Bob
"Second Wind" #301

[sailorbob]

Sorry, I should have read it before I posted it! -- it should read - "one of the teak cleaners."

[Hans Grasman]

Sikkens worked great ! I used it in February for my weather boards.
First coat was messy because I painted them first one side while they were on sheets of paper on work bench.
Decided put small hooks in one end of each of board and hang them in work shop to paint.
Is hell of a lot easier and faster to work that way.